How to Adjust a Piano Key Slip

Written By: Chloe Nielsen

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Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

20 - 35 minutes

Introduction

When a piano’s key slip becomes too tight, it can cause piano keys to stick, negatively affecting the instrument. You can use this guide to remove key slips and replace them in a more loose position so that piano keys will not stick.

Piano key slips can sometimes become too tight due to people leaning up against them and normal wear and tear. Tight key slips will prevent musicians from being able to play properly.

Before using this guide, you should check your keys to make sure the key slip is the problem. Strike one of the keys; if the key comes up quickly but the sound continues then the problem is with the hammers and strings. If the key stays down and does not come back up, then this is the guide that will help you!

Tools

Flathead 1.5 mm Screwdriver

Step 1

Locate the keys that hold your key slip to the piano.
They are typically underneath the piano keyboard and there will be between two and four screws.
Check to see what kind of screw it is. In the case of this piano, it is a flathead screw; however there could be a variety of screws.

Step 2

Remove all the screws from the piano and set them aside.

Step 3

Gently remove your key slip using your hands.
The key slip is the piece of wood that sits in front of the keys.

Step 4

Check for debris under the keys.
You can vacuum out dust or remove pieces of paper and other objects that have fallen behind the key slip or through the keys.

Step 5

Replace your key slip, ensuring that it sits evenly between the two ends of the piano.

Step 6

Re-screw the key slip onto the piano.
Don't tighten the screws all the way down at first. Screw each one in a little bit to make it doesn't become uneven.
Go back and tighten the screws to your desired tightness.
Check the keys to make sure that the they are no longer sticking, and that the key slip is not too tight.